Siemens is launching a new software tool on the market for the design and simulation of Profinet automation networks. The Sinetplan network planner from Siemens is aimed at plant designers, constructors and operators and supports them from the planning stage, through commissioning to the operation of a Profinet communication network. In order to ensure subsequent operational reliability and to avoid problems during commissioning, the network is already designed with a suitable topological structure at the planning stage and any possible bottlenecks caused by peak loads, for example, are simulated. In the operating phase, Sinetplan offers transparency about the network capacity up to the port level of the individual stations by means of online scans, traffic shapers or reporting functions. This prevents unnecessary downtimes due to network overload and thus increases the availability of the network and the production.
Sinetplan is used in particular for the planning and operation of Profinet networks that use acyclic data services such as TCP/IP in addition to cyclic real-time communication. Projects already planned in Step 7 are easy to import, and existing systems are scanned online, verified and simulated.

Faulty design or overloading of a Profinet network can compromise the overall application and, in the worst-case scenario, result in loss of production. Using the Sinetplan network planner it is possible to check the operational reliability of a Profinet network while it is still in the planning phase and find out whether a network is topologically suitable, what reserves the selected topological design offers and how you can protect the network against unforeseen peak loads (bursts). To do this, the tool calculates the loading on the network caused by the time-critical Profinet I/O data traffic as well as the acyclic, TCP/IP-based data traffic, e.g. from remotely operated servers, cameras, PCs or web server accessing. Depending on the topology and the connected network stations, the network loads are simulated, highlighting any critical points where network loading is too high. For example, worst-case queue occupancy of the ports and of the connections is calculated in this process. The network topology can then be replanned and a simulation restarted with minimum effort, and the result of the calculation and simulation can be stored in a detailed report.

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Moore Industries has released the new SPA2IS programmable alarm trips with built-in intrinsically-safe (IS) field connections. Now customers in the chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas extraction & refining and pharmaceutical industries that monitor, control, and measure signals in hazardous areas have an alarm solution that significantly reduces wiring, installation and maintenance costs. The newest member of Moore Industries' family of Limit Alarm Trips and Switches, the SPA2IS is a combination alarm trip and temperature transmitter solution that includes built-in intrinsically-safe field connections for current/voltage, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and thermocouple.

The IS approach as a method of hazardous area protection with monitoring and measurement instruments is increasing globally. Many industrial sites that have previously implemented explosion-proof or flameproof protection are now utilizing a hybrid approach of both protection methods in their hazardous areas. Constructing or retrofitting IS solutions within these plants can be costly and instrumentation often requires the additional purchase of a separate zener or isolating barrier and power supply.

For facilities that employ intrinsic safety measures the SPA2IS is a cost effective and complete alarm solution that includes intrinsically-safe field connections, which provides the necessary protection typically afforded by a galvanically isolated intrinsically safe barrier. In addition, the SPA2IS cuts wiring and maintenance costs by enabling users to eliminate additional barriers and power supplies, which reduces space requirements and heat dissipation or cooling considerations in barrier marshalling cabinets.

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Siemens is currently launching Scalance XC-100, a new line of compact switches. Users can establish electrical and optical line and star structures for machine-level networking in the Simatic environment. The switches are characterized by their high number of ports and interfaces, a rugged housing, an extended temperature range of -40 to +70° C as well as approval for hazardous areas (ATEX Zone 2, IECEx). This makes them suitable for deployment in a wide range of environments where conditions may sometimes be harsh, such as in series machine construction, shipbuilding, transportation, and in the oil and gas industry. For example, users can integrate communication modules of a series machine with a data rate of up to 100 Mbit/s into a production network.

The Scalance XC-100 devices are available in different versions with up to 24 RJ45 ports and two ST/BFOCs. This means there are variants with different types of ports for a range of applications and areas of deployment. All of the devices in this product line are equipped with a redundant power supply, which enables reliable operation even if one power supply system fails. The rugged housing and the sleeves combined with the FastConnect connectors and cables ensure stable RJ45 connections in environments in which equipment has to endure shock and vibration.

The integrated "Broadcast Storm Protection" function maintains switch functionality even in the event of heightened broadcast load.

Thanks to their design, the Industrial Ethernet switches can be mounted on the wall, on a 35-mm DIN rail or on a Simatic S7-1500 rail. Handling is much easier for users if switches are installed at the same height as the Simatic S7-1500. Clearly arranged diagnostic LEDs and a signaling contact enable precise determination of the state of the equipment as well as fast and reliable diagnostic evaluations.
Besides being approved for Ex zones, the switches are also approved for various applications in shipbuilding as well as in the onshore and offshore fields. The product line also includes the Scalance XC108 switch, which has additional E1 approval for use in public transportation vehicles.

A five-year warranty applies to the new Scalance XC-100, as for all Scalance products.

The ioLogik 2500 is a smart remote I/O product with unique hardware and software designs, making it an ideal solution for a variety of industrial data acquisition applications. The ioLogik 2500’s hardware design includes a 4-port unmanaged Ethernet switch and 2 serial ports, enabling the ioLogik 2500 to seamlessly connect to a variety of field devices. One of the Ethernet ports can be used to link to 8 daisy-chained ioLogik E1200 expansion modules to provide more than 100 channels. The ioLogik 2500 acts as the “head” unit, with Click&Go Plus logic used to control the entire I/O array. Most importantly, the ioLogik 2500’s single IP is all that’s required to connect the entire I/O array to your network, providing the perfect solution for industrial field sites that have an insufficient number of IP addresses.

Powerful Control Logic from the New Click&Go Plus™

The new Click&Go Plus™ control logic now supports up to 48 rules with further upgrades to 8 conditions/actions. In addition, its graphical user interface provides 3 logic gates and 3 multi-layers, helping you build more powerful and efficient IO solutions. Once you finish setting up your Click&Go Plus™ logic rules, IOxpress’s easy-to-use simulation function can be used to find potential errors in your Click&Go Plus™ rules before uploading them to your online devices.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) mode is widely used for industrial applications. Traditionally, you would need to use P2P devices on both sides of the connection. However, if a configuration mismatch occurred between the P2P devices, the P2P connection would fail, after which you would need to spend extra time and effort to check the P2P settings. With IOxpress, all you need to do is set up the output device, and the P2P connection will be established automatically.

Features:

Supports cellular (HSPA/GPRS), Ethernet, and serial communication

New Click&Go Plus logic provides powerful front-end intelligence

4-port unmanaged switch built in for linking to Ethernet devices

Optimized I/O expansion port for daisy chaining up to 8 ioLogik E1200 units

2 serial ports (RS-232/422/485) for connecting field devices

Built-in datalogger supports an FTP server and microSD™ card with up to a 32 GB

Transforms Modbus RTU into Modbus TCP or Active Tags

Active communication with patented MX-AOPC UA Server

Smart alarm management: Email, SNMP traps, TCP, UDP

Wide operating temperature: -30 to 70°C (-22 to 158°F)

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